Cops send list of vulnerable NH17 spots to PWD

After the March 19 accident that claimed 37 lives and left 15 injured on NH 17, the state highway traffic police compiled a list of vulnerable accident spots along the Mumbai-Goa Highway.

The list of spots that need “immediate correction” was then sent to the Public Works Department (PWD) but the police have been unable to get a response from the department, sources said.

In July last year, the state highway traffic police had instructed the six Traffic Aid Posts (TAPs) along the highway to work in collaboration with local police and its traffic counterpart to identify the most vulnerable accident spots within their jurisdiction. 39 spots with problems ranging from sudden roadblocks, lack of dividers, age-old bridges, and the absence of concrete side rails were eventually identified.

“After the 39 spots were identified last year, we wrote at least 50 letters to the PWD giving them a list of the spots, their exact locations and the problems with those spots. However, apart from acknowledgement for the letters, we have not been able to avail a response,” said an official from the state highway traffic police who did not wish to be named.

“There is a dedicated Traffic Engineering Unit (TEU) which is headed by a PWD officer. It is the TEU’s responsibility to survey the highways for vulnerable spots and make suggestions for improvement. We have also forwarded the list to the TEU and are awaiting their response,” said another official.